If you or your child are involved in sports like football or soccer, you are at risk of injuring your smile, whether from a broken tooth, biting down on your tongue, and more. Mouthguards help protect high school football players from thousands of injuries each year, so why are they not worn for all sports? Your Greensboro, NC, dentist offers custom-made guards that can protect your smile from many common injuries.
Dental Injuries Athletes May Face
Any game that involves contact between players can put you at risk of harm. Games like soccer, football, and hockey could put you at risk of breaking a tooth if you are hit harshly or bite down on your tongue on accident during the game. Even if you don’t play contact games, you may still want to consider wearing a mouthguard. For instance, volleyball or gymnastics players could benefit from protective gear to avoid damage to their smile if they are struck by a ball or take a harsh fall. Although we can typically restore common damage done to your teeth, wearing protective gear can decrease your risk and avoid the need for extensive dental treatments, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Creating Your Custom Solution
The most effective mouthguard is one that fits your smile perfectly, but there are many options. While stock guards or boil-and-bite options can be useful in emergency situations, their general use design may result in improper fit. Your dentist can create a custom-fit guard for your teeth and gums, providing enhanced protection and comfort. To learn more about your options, plan a visit with our team today.
Restore Your Smile After Damage
Unfortunately, playing contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer does not prevent all injuries. Even with a mouthguard, you could be at risk of injuries like broken or knocked-out teeth and more. If you do suffer harm to your smile, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. We will try to get you in as soon as possible for an emergency visit and may be able to give you instructions on caring for the area until you can come in. For common injuries like cracked or knocked-out teeth, you may be able to reduce bleeding by placing gauze on the area. You may also be able to take over-the-counter pain reducers to improve your comfort.
Find Out More With Our Team
Do your kids play contact sports? Do you participate in contact games yourself? If so, you may want to consider getting a custom-fit mouthguard to avoid injuries to your smile. Schedule your appointment with Dental Care of Greensboro in Greensboro, NC, today at (336) 854-9270 to learn how to get started.